Historically, men have not entered the nursing profession to the extent that women have. Women make up more than 85% of the registered nurse and nurse practitioner workforce. The relative dearth of male nurses may be traceable to gender stereotypes or stigmas. In fact, men were barred from attending nursing schools in the 1850s, which mirrors the struggles women experienced trying to enter male-dominated professions, such as law, or the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
While numerous initiatives have helped increase the numbers of women in traditionally male professions, men have not been encouraged to pursue caregiving careers like nursing. With a critical nationwide nursing shortage occurring in the U.S., male nurses can help fill the gap. To this end, we’ve compiled a list of nursing scholarships open to men. Women can also apply to many on the list, but some extend only to men.
Scholarships for Male Nurses
Who Can Apply: Prelicensure undergraduates pursuing professional nursing degrees and enrolled at AACN-accredited schools can apply for these awards offered in partnership with Hurst Review Services, an NCLEX test preparation company. Amount: $2,500
Who Can Apply: Nursing students working toward a baccalaureate or graduate degree with current or past military service can apply for this scholarship. Immediate family members of current or past service members can also apply. Amount: $3,000
Who Can Apply: AAPINA invites active, two-year members pursuing undergraduate or graduate nursing degrees to apply if they can provide evidence of a 3.5 GPA and submit an essay and recommendation letters. Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: Offered exclusively to men, these funds support those actively enrolled in an accredited nursing program who hold a 3.5 GPA and submit a 500-1,000 word essay. Amount: $500
Who Can Apply: First-year nursing students training for careers as registered nurses or licensed practical nurses can apply with a 200-word essay discussing why they want to be a nurse. Amount: $250
Who Can Apply: ENA members can apply for all levels of scholarships, while nonmembers can only apply for undergraduate funding. Selection criteria include educational and career goals, professional involvement, community and leadership activities, and references. Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: FNSNA accepts applications from enrolled undergraduate nursing students across the U.S. Selection criteria depend on the funding organization and usually funds students in specific underrepresented nursing specialties. Amount: Up to $7,500 per academic year
Who Can Apply: Funded by a National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) past president and founding member Hector Hugo Gonzalez, this award assists students enrolled in two-year associate degree in nursing programs. Amount: $2,000
Who Can Apply: Students willing to commit to working in a facility with a critical shortage of nurses after graduation can apply. Eligibility includes U.S. citizenship, no federal judgment liens or overdue debt, and no existing service commitment. Amount: Dependent on financial need
Who Can Apply: The Great Nurse Foundation supports its male members who are enrolled in nursing school and requires applicants to submit a 10-minute video addressing the importance of and barriers to men in nursing. Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Members of the NBNA enrolled in a nursing program leading to a degree or diploma can apply with good scholastic standing and at least one full year of nursing school yet to complete. Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Who Can Apply: Open to current nursing students at all degree or diploma levels, these awards vary by geographic area, and selection criteria focus on academic performance and service. Amount: $500-$5,000
Who Can Apply: Nursing students at state-approved schools in eleven states can apply for these Johnson & Johnson-sponsored funds. The program seeks to address the nursing shortage and support future registered nurses. Amount: Up to $7,500 per academic year
Who Can Apply: Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship, provide proof of enrollment in (or acceptance to) a graduate nursing program, have at least one year of school remaining, and submit an essay. Amount: $5,000-$10,000